MTM-6, a phosphoinositide phosphatase, is required to promote synapse formation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Forming the proper number of synapses is crucial for normal neuronal development. We found that loss of function of the phosphoinositide phosphatase mtm-6 results in a reduction in the number of synaptic puncta. The reduction in synapses is partially the result of MTM-6 regulation of the secretion of the Wnt ligand EGL-20 from cells in the tail and partially the result of neuronal action. MTM-6 shows relative specificity for EGL-20 over the other Wnt ligands. We suggest that the ability of MTM-6 to regulate EGL-20 secretion is a function of its expression pattern. We conclude that regulation of secretion of different Wnt ligands can use different components. Additionally, we present a novel neuronal function for MTM-6.

SUBMITTER: Ericson VR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4257696 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature